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Not sure, but I think if you supplement with thyroid meds then it shuts down your own thyroid production (like TRT)?

Anything for reverse T3 (rT3)?

Thank you. I'll give it about 5 weeks for the bloods.

I'm coming off TRT (was on sustanon 250 for a couple of years). My doc wants to see my levels in a couple of weeks time, but is that too soon? I'm not sure when the Sus 250 clears out of my body 100%, and when my own T production kicks in. I'd rather test it once I'm producing it myself. Thanks.

Yes, but were low due to donating too often. Currently on iron supplements, but I heard that taking iron (and B12), increases RBC (and maybe HCT?). I may just stop TRT altogether as this isn't ideal.

Ok, so we know that elevated hematocrit has implications for strokes, heart attacks, etc, but I've personally stumbled upon a strange phenomena where it affects my mental health/social skills. Background: Been on TRT for about 3 yrs now. Currently on Sustanon 250, and inject twice per week at...

Nothing much to add, but another aspect to consider is low iron. Mine is borderline low, so I suffer from derpression bad (amongst other symptoms), so dosing with iron helps a lot.

Why test his SHBG?

Excellent! Although you need less, is it more expensive than the old Pregnyl? Used to feel a bit off on Pregnyl, so maybe the new stuff is better (I hope).

I'm in the UK, and experiencing similar issues. Donating too often can tank your iron, and it can be a PITA to get them back up (especially if you have absorption issues - Tip: vit c aids absorption). If I can afford it, I'm gonna try a sleep study (not cheap!), as elevated RBC/HCT are usual...

I hear that iron and B12 can jack up RBC. If so, is it alot?

Although not cheap, the other alternative may be opt for an iron IV. That's bound to raise it in a shorter time frame?

Healthman pretty much covered it, but if you're supplementing iron (with vit c), and ferritin isn't going up, then you have other issues to deal with (usually your stomach acid & malabsorption issues). Also Google foods/drinks that impede iron absorption, ie dairy, tea, coffee, etc, and avoid...

That's correct, I read somewhere how TRT slows down hepcidin production. On a related note, aren't there drugs out there that causes the marrow (that produces RBC) to slow down RBC production? From the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycythaemia/

Quite expensive for IV, as in London it's about £200 - £300 per course! I'm using Spatone with vit c, so hope this will get my ferritin lvls up soon. Can I ask how long you was on iron?

Thanks Robert for that info. Real shame, as I suppose it's due to the female fad HCG diet that caused this.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned, but maybe look into iron IV?

Not sure the ideal minimum levels of ferritin you need (esp for the thyroid to function properly), but maybe look into other forms of iron? I use Gentle Iron caps (Bisglycinate). Try to take it with vit c, and avoid tea, coffee, calcium whilst taking it.

True, but donating blood can tank ferritin levels (which is aggro, esp as it can affect the thyroid). Saw this thread on Google re blood clots (I am experiencing pains that are associated with clots, so will get it check out first thing).

Yeah, and the recommendations to boost it sounds bunk. Gonna need links to the studies.

@cyclingwolf You also need to check the reverse T3 (rT3), and both thyroid antibodies for a clearer picture (read: Stop the thyroid madness, 2nd edition). I too suspect my thyroid was to blame for low energy (and all the usual hypo symptoms), as my rT3 was elevated (a form of hypothyroidism).

You don't need to stop drinking tea, it's just that it can inhibit absorption of iron. Best to take iron a few hours before/after drinking tea. Other things can affect absorption is: coffee, chocolate, calcium (dairy). Prob missed a few others, but you can look it up. I too am thinking of...

Thank you Nelson. I suspected that it affects the RBC/HCT. I'll come off HCG then, and stick with the T. Will dial the T down to 100mg per week (50mg split), and maybe donate again and see how it goes.

Hi there. I'm on HCG 500IU E3D, and 150mg Sustanon 250 E3D (75mg split dose). I have an issue with rising RBC (and to a lesser extent, HCT). Usual symptoms of a 'heavy' heart, hearing heartbeat in my ears, and slight headaches. I usually donate blood every 10 - 12 weeks, but it keeps coming...

Between a rock and a hard place! The thyroid does need iron to function. Not sure if gels are any different to injections in this case?

Low ferritin (iron)?

Re iron dosing; I've read that 100mg daily for 20 days should be enough to restore the lost iron after blood donation. You prob know this, but taking vit c with iron aids absorption (but need to avoid: tea, coffee, dairy (also eggs) for a few hours, as it tends to block iron absorption). How...

The issue with iron sups is that they're not all created equally (some are worse than others). Also, you need to avoid things like: tea. coffee, dairy, eggs, etc, a few hours of digestion iron as it affects absorption. Personally, I'm going try HCG monotherapy as HCT is getting high now.

Concerned wife. Thyroids are a PITA. Make sure to check reverse T3 (rT3) as well, as mine are high and can lead to hypo symptoms (rT3 blocks the normal thyroid receptors for the active T3). Also worth reading the book: Stop the thyroid madness (2nd edition). Thyroid needs decent amount of iron...

I'm in the same boat, so I'm going to 1) stop donating blood as ferritin is quite low (and is screwing up my thyroid), 2) decrease T to 100mg per week (instead of 150mg). What did you choose in the end?

I'm in the same boat as you, low ferritin and high HCT/RBC. I'm currently experiencing most of the symptoms of low ferritin, but don't want to take iron as it'll worsen HCT (conversely, I can't donate to lower HCT as ferritin is quite low!). OP, did you discontinue test in the end? How did...